Finding hope in Talbert Family Foundation

We walked into the hospital with a boisterous, sports-minded 7-year-old who had just celebrated his birthday a week earlier.

When we left the hospital 13 days later, Ayden was in a wheelchair, couldn't walk, had double vision, facial palsy, partial loss of his left-side body functions, was unable to care for himself and had a scar that ran from halfway down the back of his head to his neck.

The removal of his brain tumor was a success, but the future of cancer treatment loomed like an ominous black cloud. We were overwhelmed on so many levels: by grief, by Ayden's depression, by medical bills and by the prospect of all of the treatments that Ayden would be experiencing in the months to come.

Over the past year, Ayden – now 8 – has had 30 days of radiation, an ongoing chemotherapy regimen and physical and occupational therapies. The avalanche of medical and insurance bills was and is daunting. We already had been denied help because of our income and insurance, but what about life? Life happens all around us: bills, groceries, the activities of four children, gas – oh, the amount of money we spent on gas to and from the hospital on a daily basis was horrendous!

My husband and I have always been involved in charities by volunteering or donating to others, but we never thought we would be the ones in need.

The Talbert Family Foundation was a breath of fresh air.

Their question, "What can we do for you?" filled us with hope. Friends, family and strangers wanted to know how they could donate money for Ayden's treatments. TFF allows just that. They provide a nonprofit platform where people can donate to Ayden or other TFF beneficiaries, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. In return, the families get 100 percent of the money. No administrative fees, no salary payouts – just a way for people to generously help and be sure that their entire donation goes directly to the person they are supporting.

We were surprised when one of dozens of medications that Ayden would need was billed at $1,100 per month – our cost after $3,000 was billed to insurance. I thought the pharmacy had made a mistake. I left that day maxing out another credit card. Then Julie Talbert stepped in and took the burden off our hands. The Talbert Family Foundation paid the bill.

In July, a group of friends started planning a benefit for Ayden and another TFF recipient. When they needed advice, Talbert was there to answer questions and help guide them in making it a success for everyone involved. Sadly, the other child lost her battle with cancer. TFF asked whether they could help with the funeral costs.

The Talbert Family Foundation has given us hope and help when we needed it most. We are forever grateful for them.

– Misty Elsasser is the mother of four children, including Ayden, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma on March 14, 2012. To support Ayden, visit fb.me/AydensPlace.

DAY OF GIVING AT JERSEY MIKE'S

Jersey Mike's, a sandwich franchise, is hosting an event to benefit the Talbert Family Foundation. On Wednesday, March 27, 100 percent of sales will be donated to TFF. In addition, customers can make a donation throughout March.